DiversityNXT: Ahead of the Evolution

LAS VEGAS, May 6 /PRNewswire/ -- As part of NXTcomm08, the giant telecommunications industry conference from June 16th to 19th in Las Vegas, DiversityNXT 2008, "Ahead of the Evolution," will bring together diverse suppliers and their corporate customers to explore new and innovative supply chain configurations that are leading to profitable partnerships. Presented by The Telecommunications Industry Group (TIG), the conference will offer thought leadership sessions and networking opportunities, including the DiversityNXT Lunch, DiversityNXT Evolution Panel and MatchMaker Appointments.

"Joint ventures and expanding business models are becoming the fabric of the future supply chain," says DiversityNXT co-chair Lynn Scott, Executive Director of Supplier Diversity at Alcatel-Lucent. "In an industry brimming with IT software and hardware, corporations are appropriately seeking resources globally. The cross-benefit, especially for engagements with developing countries, should be explored for everyone's benefit."

DiversityNXT 2008 programs will bring diverse suppliers and leading corporations together to address key challenges and forge solutions for maximizing the ROI of supplier diversity.

"Understanding technology is key to diverse suppliers who intend to stay ahead of the evolution in the global marketplace. And there is no better place than DiversityNXT to glean the direction of the technology that is driving telecommunications," said Delores Johnson-Cooper, Executive Director, Supplier Diversity, Verizon, and Co-Chair of DiversityNXT.

Verizon's Senior Vice President of Technology Mark Wegleitner will provide the keynote address at the DiversityNXT Luncheon on Monday, June 16th, which will be followed by a panel discussion of diverse suppliers who exemplify being "Ahead of the Evolution." The day will also feature specific events geared for corporations and suppliers and will conclude with a Networking Reception.

On June 17th, the DiversityNXT Awards will honor a trailblazer, a corporation and a diverse supplier that each illustrates innovation.

Platinum sponsors are AT&T, Alcatel-Lucent, Cisco, Fujistu and Verizon. Gold sponsors are Brocade and Commscope. Silver sponsors are Agilent and Motorola. Bronze sponsors are CTDI, Nortel and Tellabs. Diversity supplier sponsors are Goodman, Increditek, Karlee, KGP, Telamon, Telcobuy and Trillion. Media partners are DiversityPlus, MBE Magazine, MBN, SBTV and WE.

Created by the Telecommunications Industry Group (TIG), DiversityNXT is the leading showcase for the thought leaders driving the direction of the diverse supply chain. Dedicated to profitable, strategic diverse supply chain development since 1999, DiversityNXT is the only diverse supplier trade show with mainstream reach. For information on registration, list of events and sponsorship, please go to www.diversitynxt.org.

About Alcatel-Lucent

Alcatel-Lucent Euronext: ALU Paris: ALU NYSE: ALU provides solutions that enable service providers, enterprise and governments worldwide, to deliver voice, data and video communication services to end-users. As a leader in fixed, mobile and converged broadband networking, IP technologies, applications and services, Alcatel-Lucent offers the end-to-end solutions that enable compelling communications services for people at home, at work and on the move. With operations in more than 130 countries, Alcatel-Lucent is a local partner with global reach. The company has the most experienced global services team in the industry, and one of the largest research, technology and innovation organizations in the telecommunications industry. Alcatel-Lucent achieved revenues of Euro 17.8 billion in 2007 and is incorporated in France, with executive offices located in Paris. For more information, visit Alcatel- Lucent on the Internet: http://www.alcatel-lucent.com

About Verizon

Verizon Communications Inc. NYSE: VZ, headquartered in New York, is a leader in delivering broadband and other wireline and wireless communication innovations to mass market, business, government and wholesale customers. Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, serving more than 67 million customers nationwide. Verizon's Wireline operations include Verizon Business, which delivers innovative and seamless business solutions to customers around the world, and Verizon Telecom, which brings customers the benefits of converged communications, information and entertainment services over the nation's most advanced fiber-optic network. A Dow 30 company, Verizon employed a diverse workforce of approximately 232,000 as of the end of the first quarter 2008 and last year generated consolidated operating revenues of $93.5 billion. For more information, visit www.verizon.com.